Form & Function from Genotype to Phentotype II

Catalog description

This course will focus on functional, structural, and developmental similarity across life and how observations in one species can be applied across the spectrum of life. Causal explanations of these similarities will involve the key concepts of homology and convergence, as well as how development can conserve or change form. Particular emphasis will be placed on how model organisms inform treatments of disease in humans, but students will be challenged to find appropriate models for other species. The course is divided among four exemplar organs/anatomical regions, the heart, kidney, limbs, and inner ear. These particular regions are chosen because many aspects of these regions/organs are fairly well understood whereas other aspects are the foci of research labs at NYITCOM.